Your wheels and tyres can transform your bike from a cart horse into a thoroughbred, metaphorically speaking. Your bike's performance, acceleration, handling, comfort and ability to resist punctures depend on the choice you make. A set of tyres
that triathletes most often turn to make those changes that can mean better times. And where better to start than wheels?There are two features in a set of wheels that can help your performance - lower weight and better aerodynamics. Having light wheels
1 Detach the wheelThe front wheel is easy: release the brake, open the quick-release lever, loosen the nut and pull the wheel from the fork dropouts. The back wheel is harder. Shift the gears to the smallest cog to make reinstallation easier. If you
solution is to have separate training and racing bikes, but not everyone can afford this luxury. Another option is to have a set of wheels you only use for racing. If you do a lot of indoor training, the heat build-up from turbos will quickly wear out your
If your goal is to set a new triathlon personal best, consider purchasing a time-trial bike. These midrange models mix value and performance, and are all but guaranteed to improve your bike split. They offer aerodynamic carbon-fibre frames, reliable
the nipples.Fix: True your wheel. (For a video tutorial, go to bicycling.com/wheeltrue.) Grease the nipples and spots where spokes cross. Matt-black spokes are apt to creak. If the valve stem wiggles, wrap it with electrical tape.Seatpost and saddle rails
Pendle Wheel Support Bike Rack, £181.70This system requires your full concentration for the initial build but once constructed it's a no-fuss rack that will fit most vehicles with a tow bar. The wheels of your bike sit into D-loops, which are part
A turbo-trainer is a stand which clamps to the rear axle of a bike with a roller beneath the rear wheel, turning the bike into a stationary cycle. The range on sale is enormous - see Triathlete’s World March 2011 for a round-up.Wherever you use it
Packing your bike so you can take it abroad and then unpacking it at the other end are two of the biggest headaches in triathlon. The last thing you'll feel like doing after a long journey is rebuilding your bike. But all the work you've put
